1 in 10
Women affected by endometriosis worldwide
7 years
Average time from symptom onset to diagnosis
30–50%
Of women with endometriosis experience fertility challenges

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus — on ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, or bladder. This tissue bleeds with each cycle but has nowhere to exit, causing inflammation, scarring, and progressive damage to reproductive organs.

Symptoms That Should Never Be Dismissed

  • Severe period pain that disrupts daily life or requires strong painkillers
  • Chronic pelvic pain — not just during periods
  • Pain during or after intercourse
  • Painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation
  • Heavy or irregular periods
  • Significant bloating around menstruation ("endo belly")
  • Difficulty conceiving
  • Fatigue disproportionate to lifestyle
Dr. Juneja's Message

Painful periods are not a rite of passage. They are a signal. I have seen women told for a decade that their pain is normal, who arrive with advanced endometriosis affecting their fertility. Please do not accept "it's just bad periods" as an answer.

Diagnosis

  • Specialist consultation — detailed symptom history is the most important first step
  • Transvaginal ultrasound — detects ovarian endometriomas and deep disease
  • MRI — for mapping complex or deep infiltrating disease
  • Laparoscopy — the gold standard; allows direct visualisation and simultaneous treatment

Treatment Options

  • Hormonal therapy — suppresses the disease and reduces pain; does not treat infertility
  • Laparoscopic surgery — removal of deposits and endometriomas; can significantly improve fertility
  • IVF — often the most effective fertility route for moderate–severe disease
  • Egg freezing — recommended before ovarian reserve is further reduced by the disease
  • Multidisciplinary pain management — physiotherapy, dietary support, and psychological care